Springtime is here which means warmer temperatures, blue skies and flowers in bloom! After thawing out from the long winter, people are itching to get outside and enjoy the nice weather – whether it’s taking a walk in a park, enjoying a ballgame or having a picnic. Studies show that spending time outdoors does wonders for both our physical and mental well-being. In addition to the health benefits, outdoor spaces also encourage socialization, providing opportunities to engage with one another and build relationships. As people head out to enjoy your parks, sports fields and green spaces this spring, you can enhance their engagement and extend their time there by including commercial picnic tables for their use.
HOW PICNIC TABLES PROMOTE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Picnic tables do more than just provide a place for people to sit and eat a meal; they also encourage interaction and provide respite. Here’s why picnic tables are an integral part of any public outdoor space where you want to draw people:
⦁ They are natural gathering points: Picnic tables serve as comfortable spaces where people can gather, share meals, and engage in conversations, creating friendships and bonds.
⦁ They can be enjoyed by everyone: ADA-compliant picnic tables provide space for people of all physical abilities, ensuring them a sense of belonging within the community.
⦁ They are Ideal for events: Picnic tables serve as great venues for group activities such as arts and crafts classes, teambuilding exercises and celebrations like birthday parties and graduations.
⦁ They support local businesses: Nearby picnic tables can indirectly help boost business for outdoor vendors like food trucks and community artisans as they encourage people to linger longer and enjoy their surroundings.
Commercial picnic tables can help boost your municipality’s business as well. Accommodating your visitors with multiple places to sit and gather promotes goodwill, increases foot traffic, and elevates your popularity.
BEST LOCATIONS FOR PICNIC TABLE PLACEMENT
To get the most use of and benefit from your picnic tables, look for ideal spots to place them. The more strategic you are with their placement, the more beneficial they’ll be to your outdoor space.
⦁ Adjacent to sports facilities: Place tables near courts or fields to provide spaces for athletes and spectators to rest and socialize before or after games.
⦁ Near scenic spots: Enable visitors to enjoy views of lakes, gardens, or other natural attractions with park table seating. These picturesque spots encourage people to linger and take in the surrounding beauty.
⦁ In shaded areas: Provide picnic tables under trees or shade structures to give visitors a respite from the sun and hot temperatures. A comfortable, shaded seating area gives people another reason to stay longer.
⦁ Event spaces: If your outdoor venue hosts community events like fairs, concerts or markets, sprinkle picnic tables throughout the open areas to allow them to rest their legs, enjoy a meal and converse with other event-goers.
⦁ Along walking trails: Position tables along your trails for walkers, runners, and cyclists as a convenient place to take a break during their outdoor activities.
⦁ Near playgrounds: Arrange picnic tables next to playgrounds so parents can watch their children while relaxing. The picnic tables will also provide a great place for the children to rest, get a snack and fuel up again before heading back out to play.
After you’ve determined the best places to place picnic tables, then gauge the average number of daily visitors to your community space to decide the appropriate number of picnic tables you will need to accommodate them.
ADDITIONAL PICNIC TABLE CONSIDERATIONS
As you plan your outdoor space seating areas, consider additional ways you can make your area more inviting, functional, and accessible for everyone. We suggest you provide a mix of table shapes and sizes to accommodate smaller children, adults, larger groups, as well as individuals with disabilities. We also recommend choosing commercial picnic tables that are constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials that will endure continued outdoor exposure. Today’s commercial picnic tables come in a variety of industrial-grade materials such as thermoplastic, plastic-coated steel, aluminum, wood, recycled plastic, and concrete. With so many materials, styles, and colors to choose from, commercial picnic tables can enhance and complement any outdoor space or venue.
Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. Make sure your outdoor park or venue is equipped with commercial picnic tables to create a welcoming space that promotes social interaction, event gatherings, and community fellowship.